No fixed penalty fines were issued during council’s air quality campaign

No fixed penalty fines were issued during recent awareness campaign

Published:10:54Thursday 31 March 2016

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The council did not issue any fines to motorists during a recent campaign to crackdown on people who run their car engine while they are waiting.

The air quality awareness campaign, which ran from Monday, February 29 to Friday, March 25, reminded motorists that they can be fined if they are caught running their engines unnecessarily or allowing their vehicle to emit excessive emissions.

Over the last three months the council carried out 50 patrols in conjunction with Police Scotland and partner councils to target drivers whose car engines are idling - mostly outside schools and in other problem areas.

However they did not issues any fixed penalty notices to motorists, which cost £20 rising to £40 if not paid within 28 days.

Ann Davie, Director of Customer Services and Transformation, said: “We know that engine idling has a negative effect on air quality so are working hard to raise awareness of the issue across the area.

“We recently ran an air quality awareness marketing campaign and over the last three months, we have carried out 50 patrols in conjunction with Police Scotland and partner councils to target drivers whose car engines are idling - mostly outside schools and in other problem areas.

“Current Scottish Government guidance means that we must give drivers who are idling their engines the chance to switch off when we approach them. A £20 fixed penalty notice can only be issued if drivers refuse or if we catch repeat offenders.

“So, while we have not issued any fixed penalty notices yet we are making huge strides to educate drivers. With continued efforts we hope to cut levels of engine idling and improve air quality.”

Air pollution can be irritating to eyes, throats and lungs and people who already have breathing problems such as asthma, heart or lung diseases can be very sensitive.